Supporting Cleaner Public Transportation in Semarang

Semarang – BLUD Trans Semarang has begun operating a trial of electric bus fleets as a step toward more environmentally friendly public transportation. The public is also able to try this service for free during the trial period.

The trial program is being carried out to measure battery performance, operational efficiency, and vehicle durability when operating across various road conditions in Semarang City. Corridor I, which serves the Terminal Mangkang – Simpang Lima – Terminal Penggaron route, has been selected as the main testing route.

In this initial stage, two electric bus units are available, consisting of one large bus and one medium-sized bus. Both fleets have undergone vehicle roadworthiness testing (KIR) by the Semarang City Transportation Agency and have been declared safe for operation.

Danang Kurniawan, Secretary of the Semarang City Transportation Agency, stated that the use of electric buses is part of the government’s effort to provide cleaner public transportation with lower pollution levels.

“We are now starting to shift toward electric-based vehicles that are more environmentally friendly. The initial stage is being carried out with two different fleet types to evaluate their performance in the field,” he said.

The large bus is focused on serving Corridor I, while the medium-sized bus will be tested on another route considered more suitable for the specifications of electric vehicles. The trial period is estimated to last between two weeks and one month.

During this period, the public is given the opportunity to directly experience the comfort of electric buses while also providing feedback on the available services and facilities.

Haris Setyo Yunanto, Head of BLUD Trans Semarang, explained that the operation of electric buses is part of the implementation of the green corridor concept that has been planned for a long time. The presence of this new fleet is also expected to reduce air pollution and vehicle emissions that have long been a concern for residents.

“Electric buses are a modern and cleaner transportation solution that supports the reduction of exhaust emissions in Semarang City,” Haris explained.

For the fleet procurement system, the government will use a service tender scheme. Through this mechanism, vendors or consortiums that meet the requirements will later be responsible for managing the designated corridor.

In addition, the bus interior design will also be adjusted to make it more comfortable and accessible for people with disabilities. The seat layout is planned to face forward, with easier entry access without requiring high-platform bus stops.

To support operations, BLUD Trans Semarang is also preparing two fast-charging locations at Terminal Mangkang and Terminal Penggaron. This technology allows the battery to be fully charged in around 30 minutes, enabling the bus to serve up to eight round trips each day.

Other Articles

• Surabaya-Based Manufacturer Wintrone Orionis Showcases Orionis Sarvatra Electric Bus at GIIAS 2025
• Locally Made Electric Bus Developed Through Tentrem and Wintrone Collaboration Ready to Support Indonesia’s Transportation Sector
• TransJakarta Trial
• Trans Surabaya Trial